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Around the U.S. in 50 Days: Oklahoma and Kansas

There is little drama in Oklahoma with no statewide races on the ballot. Perhaps one of the reddest of red states, it is certain that the eventual GOP nominee will take Oklahoma’s seven electoral votes. Instead, the interest will be on the Congressional races, especially the 2nd District.

In the 1st, Republican John Sullivan, who has held the district since 2002, faces his biggest challenge from a Republican in a primary. Some of the suburbs of Tulsa were moved into the 2nd District.

In teh 2nd District, Oklahoma’s lone Democratic Representative, Dan Boren, is retiring, leaving this an open race. In redistricting, it received the more conservative suburbs of Tulsa as well as more Democratic-leaning territory from Marshall County. There is no shortage of Democrats lining up to succeed Boren and keep this district in Democratic hands. Former representative Brad Carson has decided against a run which is a boost to Republican chances. There are two declared Democratic candidates and Wayne Herriman has the early inside track. However, all that could change should state senator Jim Wilson enter the race. For the Republican nomination in the district, there are six declared candidates. Most experts expect this race to come down to state representative George Faught against political novice Markwayne Mullin. Expect a Faught-Herriman general election battle. I think because of a down ballot effect, Faught will win this race.

The 3rd District expande to include parts of Canadian and Creek counties and is safely Republican while the 4th got smaller in size due to population growth and is also safely Republican. James Lankford will win re-election in the 5th and keep it also in Republican hands.

All four members of the Kansas congressional delegation are Republican. Likewise, all are popular within their districts, all are running for re-election and all four saw no major changes to their districts. Hence, all four will be sent back to Washington after the General Election in November, 2012.

OK- it was a quick entry and an obvious one. However, I have to hit all the states to give them their due.